Which 2025 NBA Draft Prospects Are The Most Underrated?

There is always a lot of attention on the NBA Draft as the world’s best young basketball players are showcased on a high stage.

Those youngsters stand on the threshold of achieving a dream of playing in the NBA, and there have, of course, been notable No. 1 picks throughout the history of the NBA Draft.

Victor Wembanyama, LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are but a few NBA legends who have gone No. 1 overall in their respective drafts.

However, franchises must look well beyond that top spot, and there are always greats to be found beyond it that are worth the time and investment.

Steph Curry, for example, was a seventh overall pick, Giannis Antetokounmpo was picked 15th, and Luka Doncic was a third overall pick. Those are big names whose performances shape the way their teams play. Fans follow them closely, and betting experts often analyse their form and stats when putting together basketball tips to help find the most accurate bets.

At the end of June, attention will shift to the draft class of 2025 that features the likes of Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper and Airious “Ace” Bailey.

Based on ESPN’s 2025 NBA Draft survey on who is the most underrated, let’s take a look at some of the best sleepers in the draft.

Carter Bryant

Arizona’s Carter Bryant is projected to have a high potential ceiling and is expected to go somewhere in the middle of the first round. Wildcat Bryant possesses a tremendous physical presence, standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 220 pounds.

Bryant could be one of the biggest sleepers in the 2025 NBA Draft and has a fiercely determined attitude. He has the size to guard from one through five, which is a big asset, but he also has a lot of shooting potential from three-point range.

Terrence Edwards Jr.

Terrence Edwards Jr. checks in at 6-foot-6 and made a big impact in the ACC this past season.

The Louisville guard earned Third-Team All-ACC honors after averaging 16.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. He’s known for his defensive switchability and toughness on both ends of the court. 

Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey praised his defensive evolution back in March.

“He’s just so much more than a scorer,” Kelsey said. “He’s a great leader. He’s become an exceptional defender that has been well-documented in Louisville media. His rise on the defensive end, which, I think was one of the major catalysts to our defense getting better, and that’s what’s made us a really good team.”

Edwards might not get picked in the first round, but his all-around game and motor make him one of the most underrated prospects in this class.

Chaney Johnson

From Auburn University, the next player on this list of underrated 2025 draft prospects is Chaney Johnson.

He has garnered a lot of high praise for his attitude and work ethic, which is reportedly off the charts. Many teams will appreciate that about him because it’s paired with a cool, focused demeanor.

Johnson looks like one of those players that championship-winning teams always need on their roster— a reliable, understated player who is the real glue and heartbeat of a team that lets superstars shine.

Micah Peavy

At 6-foot-8, Micah Peavy brings size, maturity, and a serious defensive mindset to the floor.

The Georgetown guard turned heads in his senior year, putting up 17.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. He also shot 40% from deep— a major leap that added real value to his offensive profile. 

Peavy is widely respected for his two-way potential and is one of the best defenders in the class. At 23, he’s older than most prospects, but his court awareness and all-around game make him a strong sleeper pick for teams needing immediate impact.

Drake Powell

Drake Powell’s draft stock has been all over the place.

He was even projected to land in the top ten at one point, but now figures to come off the board on the border of the first and second rounds.

Despite the rollercoaster draft status, he is a tremendously athletic player with versatile defensive abilities in various positions. 

Whoever picks him up will need to work on bringing out an offensive game from him a little more, but there are hints that it is in there, as Powell possesses great creativity that can keep defenses guessing. 

The 2025 NBA Draft is Almost Here

The 2025 class is a good one, with future stars in the mix at the top of the pickings. Still, there’s plenty of intrigue in the players that will feature lower down the board as franchises try to pick a bolter and get their hands on a potential and yet unexpected, future All-Star.